Infinity hijab headscarf

ABSTRACT

Two designers collaborated to develop a modified HH, referred to as the Infinity Hijab Headscarf (IHH), in an effort to meet the HH needs of Saudi Arabian women acculturating to United States culture. The two-piece IHH set can be worn together or separately, as a headband and/or scarf (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The initial inspiration for the IHH came from two fashion trends: a wide stretch headband and an infinity (or tube) scarf. The design was also informed by scholarly research regarding the socio-religious cultures of Islam and Saudi Arabia.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to design and construction of cross-cultural hijab headscarf that provides modesty for the wearer.

BACKGROUND

The demand for cross-cultural clothing is best met if there is an accurate understanding of the cultural factors that influence clothing needs and preferences (Mullet & Park, 2011). An understanding of cultural factors through research is important because the development of products marketed and used across cultures continues to expand. The needs of Saudi Arabian women who are living under cross-cultural circumstances, in particular, are important to consider because many Saudi Arabian women are Muslim, and Muslims have an increasing presence in the Western world and are deeply immersed in Western culture (Smith, 2010). The hijab headscarf (HH) plays a significant role in Muslim women's dress, for it's a symbol of cultural, religious and traditional values (Rabolt & Forney, 1989).

SUMMARY

Two designers collaborated to develop a modified HH, referred to as the Infinity Hijab Headscarf (IHH), in an effort to meet the HH needs of Saudi Arabian women acculturating to United States culture. The two-piece IHH, set can be worn together or separately, as a headband and/or scarf (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The initial inspiration for the IHH came from two fashion trends: a wide stretch headband and an infinity (or tube) scarf The design was also informed by scholarly research regarding the socio-religious cultures of Islam and Saudi Arabia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. The Infinity Hijab Headscarf design, shown being worn as two separate pieces (i.e., a wide stretch headband and an infinity scarf).

FIG. 2. The Infinity Hijab Headscarf design, shown being worn in a hijab headscarf configuration (i.e., wearing the two pieces of the set together).

FIG. 3. A view of the button closure that attaches the infinity scarf to the headband.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A headscarf (referred to as the Infinity Hijab Headscarf [IHH]) was designed that would meet the needs of cultural adjustment for a Muslim female in the United States. It was important that the IHH serve the same purpose of modesty, which provides multiple levels of protection for Muslim women (Ali, 2005; Droogsma, 2007; Parker, 1996). The IHH is a two-piece set comprised of a knit headband 10 and tube 20 (or infinity) scarf that, when combined, serve the function of hijab 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The IHH headband functions by securing and covering the hair around the face. Around the neck and chest a scarf is worn which can be pulled up over the head and attached to the headband with a button 40 and buttonhole 50 (see FIG. 3). Other types of attachment or closure are possible, including snaps, hook and loop (e.g Velcro), magnets or ties. It is also envisioned that multiple closures could be used. This ensures that the hair will be covered at all times, unless purposefully removed.

The two-piece IHH set can be worn as a hijab or separately, as a headband and scarf. Designed in this manner, it can help women acculturate into the United States culture because it is similar to what a non-Muslim Western woman would likely wear. The drape and stretch of the knit fabric allows the IHH headband to stay in place and pull hair back from the face. The drape keeps the scarf near the face and allows it to frame the face in an aesthetically-pleasing manner. We chose the colors red and purple. The button at the top of the scarf that can attach it to the headband ensures that it stays securely in place (see FIG. 3). The button is an important feature because women who wear the HH on a regular basis “often have to re-wrap [their] traditional hijab throughout the day” (N. Alshare, personal communication, 131 May 20, 2011). 

We claim:
 1. A headscarf comprising: a headband including a first attachment; and a tube scarf including a second attachment; wherein the tube scarf can be attached to the headband to form a hijab.
 2. The headscarf of claim I wherein the first attachment is a button.
 3. The headscarf of claim I wherein the second attachment is a buttonhole. 